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Zirconia vs PMMA: What You Need to Know About Implant Teeth

The Material Matters

When considering dental implants, the materials used in your new teeth matter just as much as the procedure itself. At Truly Dental, we’re committed to providing long-term, high-quality solutions for our patients — which is why we only use zirconia for all implant teeth, even in our more affordable options.

Not all clinics take the same approach. In an effort to cut on costs some dental providers use PMMA (polymethyl methacrylate) for their permanent implant restorations . While PMMA has its place in short-term dentistry, it simply doesn’t compare to zirconia when it comes to strength, appearance, or longevity.

Understanding the difference between these mat

Evidence-Based Dentistry You Can Trust

At Truly Dental, we believe patients deserve honest, evidence-based advice - this guide is grounded in clinical research from sources like the National Library of Medicine, the National Institutes of Health, and independent peer-reviewed journals.

Our dental team and in-house lab technicians have first-hand experience working with both zirconia and PMMA. Based on extensive clinical use and long-term patient outcomes, we’ve chosen zirconia as our standard — even in our most affordable full-arch implant solutions.

What Is Zirconia?

Zirconia (zirconium dioxide) is a ceramic material that combines exceptional strength with high biocompatibility. It has been used in medical and dental applications for decades, including hip replacements and dental crowns.

Key Advantages of Zirconia:

  • Outstanding strength and fracture resistance Zirconia demonstrates high fracture toughness and performs well under chewing forces without fracturing.
  • Natural aesthetics that mimic real enamel Its enamel-like translucency and color matching make it ideal for visible smile zones.
  • Highly resistant to stains and wear Zirconia resists staining from coffee, wine, and smoking, maintaining its look over time.
  • Biocompatible — safe for gums and surrounding bone Zirconia shows excellent integration with tissues and low bacterial plaque retention.
  • Durable, single-block design for long-term reliability.

Zirconia is often called “ceramic steel” for a reason — it provides the beauty of porcelain with the strength of metal.

What Is PMMA?

PMMA is a type of acrylic plastic material that has long been used in temporary dental solutions such as denture bases or trial teeth. It’s cost-effective and easy to shape — but it has serious limitations.

Drawbacks of PMMA:

  • Weaker than zirconia — more prone to chips, cracks, and fractures PMMA shows lower wear resistance and a shorter lifespan under normal chewing conditions].
  • More likely to stain from food and drink Color stability studies show PMMA discolors over time, especially in the presence of pigments.
  • Short lifespan — often needs replacing within 6 to 24 months.
  • Increased plaque retention PMMA surfaces are more susceptible to bacterial adhesion and biofilm formation than zirconia.
  • Potential biocompatibility concerns Some studies note that monomer release and surface wear may irritate soft tissues in long-term use.

This is why PMMA is commonly used in short-term, low-cost implant cases — but not for final restorations.
 

What Do Other Clinics Use — and Why?

Some clinics use PMMA for their permanent implant teeth, especially during the initial healing phase. While that may sound routine, many patients are unaware that these teeth are designed to be temporary — not permanent.

In some cases, patients report their “permanent” teeth wearing down or breaking far sooner than expected, only to learn later that their prosthetics were made from PMMA or acrylic.

At Truly Dental, we don’t believe in shortcuts or compromises. That’s why we provide monolithic zirconia implant teeth as standard in every full-arch case — even for temporary teeth and in our most affordable packages.
 

Zirconia vs PMMA: At a Glance

Feature

Zirconia

PMMA

Strength

Extremely strong and chip-resistant

Brittle, prone to chipping/fracture

Longevity

10+ years (often decades)

6 months to 2 years

Stain Resistance

Excellent

Poor – discolors easily

Aesthetic Quality

High — enamel-like translucency

Dull, artificial appearance over time

Biocompatibility

Excellent — kind to gum tissue

Good — but more plaque-prone

Cost

Higher upfront, lower long-term

Lower upfront, higher maintenance costs

Ideal Use

Permanent implant restorations

Temporary/transition phase only

Is Zirconia Too Hard?

We’ve had patients ask us this question — and it’s understandable. Zirconia is known for its strength, so it’s natural to wonder: Could something that hard be damaging to the implants or surrounding bone?

Let’s break it down with science — not speculation.

A detailed study looked at how different materials used in implant teeth — including zirconia, metal, and a softer plastic-like material called PEEK — affect the pressure placed on implants and the jawbone.

Here’s what the study found:

  • Zirconia caused the least amount of stress on the implants and surrounding bone
  • Softer materials like PEEK placed more strain on the bone, which could lead to problems over time
  • The angle of the implants made more of a difference to stress levels than the material itself — so surgical skill matters more than material softness
  • Because zirconia is strong and rigid, it helps spread bite forces evenly, reducing pressure on any one area
     

Bottom line: Zirconia isn’t too hard — it’s actually a safer, more stable choice that supports the long-term success of your dental implants.

Why Truly Dental Uses Only Zirconia

Choosing the right implant material is not just about aesthetics — it’s about long-term success, comfort, and peace of mind. At Truly Dental, we’ve chosen zirconia because it:

  • Performs better under real-world chewing forces
  • Looks better over time
  • Lasts significantly longer
  • Requires fewer replacements or repairs
  • Supports healthier gums and bone

Unlike some clinics that use PMMA to cut costs, we use zirconia for every case — because we believe every patient deserves a beautiful, durable, and healthy smile.

Why Choose Truly Dental?

Here’s what makes us different:

  • We use zirconia only — even for our TruSmile core implant packages
  • We never compromise on material quality or patient safety
  • We have an in-house lab, ensuring precision, quality control, and affordability
  • We use a fully digital workflow for more accurate, comfortable treatment
  • Our clinicians are experienced and ethical - so you’re always in safe hands

Implant dentistry is a major decision — and the material used for your new teeth has a direct impact on your satisfaction, your bite, and your confidence.

While some clinics offer lower-cost packages using PMMA, these short-term solutions often lead to additional expenses, breakages, and frustration.

At Truly Dental, we do things differently. We use zirconia teeth as standard in every implant case — because we believe every patient deserves a restoration that looks great, functions flawlessly, and lasts for years to come.
 

References

  1. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6515448/
  2. https://northtexasdentalsurgery.com/choosing-the-right-all-on-four-prosthesis-zirconia-vs-pmma-options-explained/
  3. https://drsehmi.co.uk/all-on-4-materials-what-is-better-zirconia-pmma-or-acrylic/
  4. https://www.bunkerhilldentistry.com/2019/01/18/all-on-4-tooth-materials/
  5. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8839238/ 
  6. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8360736/
  7. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/357841764_Influence_of_Framework_Material_and_Posterior_Implant_Angulation_in_Full-Arch_All-on-4_Implant-Supported_Prosthesis_Stress_Concentration
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